Communic8 for Dementia

Connections Matter offers a unique relational-centred approach to dementia through intensive education and training. We are here to support family members, friends, professionals, and couples, including people living with dementia to help enhance communication and connection.

So if you work, live with, or provide care to someone living with dementia, or if you have dementia yourself, you've come to the right place for intensive, comprehensive support.

Want a short course? Enrol in the Changing Relationships Workshop

Click 'Book Now' to see what you can learn

We also offer 'Just Talk' sessions. Designed so you can 'just talk'.
Sessions are open to anyone having communication or connection difficulties, and would like someone to just talk to. Scroll for details.

Relational-centred Intensive Courses

Intensive courses provide regular support over several weeks, giving you an experience through which you will learn about about dementia and each other. Each intensive course, Exploring Interactions or The Relational Experience, is designed exclusively for two people, that is a person who has dementia together with one other person (partner/spouse/close friend or adult child).*

The sessions are particularly useful for people early in the dementia diagnosis, but if you would like individual support please get in touch.

* Two further participants can be included by arrangement.

Exploring Interactions & Dementia Course

Whether you are living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, then the Exploring Interactions course will benefit you. Especially if you are finding relating with each other is becoming more strained.

For most of us advancing dementia makes interacting more complicated. By taking time to focus on your relationship, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and each other.

Picture of two people sitting on fold up chairs under a tree at sunset, supporting each other and having relationships.

Conducted with two people, Exploring Interactions offers a unique approach to interacting, giving you much needed support. Helping you through observation and reflection, this course is good for reducing the sense of social isolation that can become part of living with dementia.

You can choose to include several education modules in the course or participate as is.

The course can be conducted over several weeks with weekly or fortnightly sessions. Or you can condense the course into a few days for more intensive support.

Contact us for more details or to register your interest. You can download the brochure here

What people say…

"Several weeks of education and support would be welcomed by most people…"

"Videos and feedback…were really good for reducing the sense of social isolation that both people with dementia…and carers have to cope with "

Download the brochure here

The Relational Experience & Dementia Course

Picture of a father and daughter relationship, supporting each other and laughing together.

The Relational Experience provides our most comprehensive support. Conducted over several weeks this course will give you the best opportunity for renewed connection.

Building on our Exploring Interactions course, The Relational Experience is a relational-based course that will provide you with information and approaches to interacting that you are unlikely to have experienced before.

The Relational Experience is a true experience, where you can do a deep dive into your relationship, learn about dementia, your interactions, and each other.

Talking and reflection are key elements of The Relational Experience, so you will have ample opportunity to discuss your feelings and interactions with each other.

The course is for two people* conducted in three components, including several education modules interspersed throughout the course.

Modules
Five education modules are standard to support your experience. However you can choose up to seven modules depending on your interests and need. You can also add additional 'Just Talk' sessions for ongoing support following the course.

Find something new in your relationship today; participate in The Relational Experience.

Modules include:

Understanding Dementia
Grief, Loss and Dementia
Understanding the Social Network
Knowing Each Other
Connecting.

Download the brochure here

* As much as we encourage the involvement of the person who is living with dementia in The Relational Experience, we do know that some components may not be suitable for particular individuals (on particular days), so it is perfectly acceptable for one person to attend on these occasions. However, for certain components full participation is required. This would be discussed at the time of booking.

Don't hesitate to send us an email to discuss either of these intensive courses.
>> Contact us @ Connections Matter <<

Picture of a cup of camomile tea on a table with flower heads, communicating support is available for dementia. Picture of a woman reclining on a couch with a dog on her lap looking at each other in a supportive relationship.

Picture of a woman's hand next to a hot take away drink on a table, communicating support is available for dementia.

Remember, you are not alone.

Black and white picture of a woman wearing glasses wiping tears from her eyes, sad at being alone and not having supportive relationships.

Picture of a couple at a table with hot drinks; one resting a comforting hand on top of the other, communicating the need for support in relationships when feeling alone.

I would like to join the Connections Matter Community

Someone to talk to.....

Just Talk

This is for you if you ever have felt that you just want someone to talk to without any pressure, interfering questions, or misguided advice. In this session you will be able to talk with Dr. Kruger one-to-one and share your experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Do one session or book a package of 5, 10, or 20 sessions to have someone to talk to on a regular basis. We're here for you, and we have experience with difficult relationships. This session is available online or by phone. Sessions are available for couples, individuals, families, or friends.

Book one session to have a friendly, non-judgemental person to talk to or book a package of sessions to talk regularly. Sometimes just talking is all we need to help clear our mind and know we are not alone.

Just Talk packages are available for:

5 sessions
10 sessions
20 sessions.

Picture of a hot take away drink on a table in front of a person needing relationships and support.

So grab a cuppa and … just talk.

Connections Matter offers support through listening and advice, consultancy to determine your dementia related needs, and practical education to enhance relationships. Support and training focuses specifically on how we relate, because how we interact with each other is key to having healthy relationships.

At Connections Matter we look at relationships in a fresh and new way, advocating dementia change.

>> Contact us @ Connections Matter <<

Some have said...

"I now know my mother is still the same person inside it just takes extra work on my behalf to reach her. "

"Wendi's quiet, friendly and non-judgemental approach was helpful."

Images: Stock photos
The Relational Experience & Dementia Image: Connections Matter